MIAMI, Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Cruise Lines is teaming up with renowned comedian and TV personality George Lopez who will become the cruise line's creative director for comedy as Carnival introduces the Punchliner Comedy Clubs Presented by George Lopez.

Lopez, one of America's favorite comedians and a popular TV personality, will become the cruise line's "curator of comedy," acting as a consultant on the vetting and hiring of comedic talent for the line's existing fleetwide comedy clubs. Lopez will play an active role in the securing of top up-and-coming comedic talent, utilizing his vast resources within the North American comedy scene.

Through the partnership, Carnival ships will feature a Lopez comedy routine shown on in-cabin televisions fleetwide and pre-recorded introductions by Lopez at comedy club shows, as well as a new Punchliner Comedy Brunch that will be offered on sea days. Lopez will also partner with the line on a comedy-themed consumer contest in 2012.

"Carnival's guests absolutely love comedy which is why we are already the cruise industry leader in fleetwide comedic programming and, in fact, we host more guests in our shipboard comedy clubs than any land-based comedy chain in the U.S.," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival's president and CEO. "By partnering with George Lopez, an exceptionally talented, respected and popular comedian, Carnival's comedy offerings will be taken to an entirely new level."

"Carnival's ships offer a huge audience that truly appreciates comedic performances and the on-board clubs are fantastic," said Lopez. "I intend to help build and nurture an understanding among up-and-coming comedic talent that these ships represent a phenomenal environment to work and gain experience."

Carnival's comedy clubs offer five 35-minute shows on multiple nights during each voyage, with at least two comedians performing each night. The two early-evening shows offer fun for the whole family while the later performances feature adult-oriented comedy.

The partnership is part of Fun Ship 2.0, a multi-year initiative valued at more than $500 million that will completely transform the Carnival guest experience and is the largest and most ambitious project the company has ever undertaken.